Facebook and Instagram Ads Lead to Illegal Operators
The Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA) discovered a Facebook page called “Daan Vermeer” that, since July 2025, has posted dozens of ads targeting local players who lost €100 or more.
How the Scheme Worked
The ads promised to recover or even double players’ money, after which users were redirected to a Telegram channel with 6,000 subscribers. This channel contained links to illegal operators.
According to KVA, the campaign reached over 400,000 residents of the Netherlands, including 15,300 young adults aged 18–24. The page was managed from the US and Ukraine. Even though Meta removed some posts for “unacceptable business practices,” eight ads remain active.
Page History
The page was originally created in 2023 under the name “Maddie Macha Vinny” and was renamed in July 2025. The listed payer was the legitimate Italian company “Gemina SRL.”
Instagram and New Promotion Channels
In addition to Facebook, KVA observed similar activity on Instagram. There, ads also directed users to Telegram groups offering links to illegal websites.
The essence of the ads was the same: players who had lost money were promised a quick way to recover and even increase it. In reality, this only led to deeper engagement with illegal gambling operators.
Which Rules Were Violated
KVA identified violations of multiple articles of the Kansspelautoriteit regulations:
- Article 2.2 – Ads directed users to illegal operators instead of legal ones;
- Article 2.3 – Gambling was presented as a solution to financial problems;
- Article 2.4 – Users were shown unrealistic chances of recovering losses;
- Article 2.5 – Ads targeted vulnerable players who had already lost money;
- Article 2.6 – Messages amplified risks and encouraged continued gambling.
Dangers of Illegal Operators
According to KVA, illegal sites pose serious threats:
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| No Payouts | Winnings are often not paid out. |
| Aggressive Advertising | Players receive constant, intrusive offers. |
| Data Leaks | Personal data is shared with third parties, often outside the EU. |
| No Support | Players have no access to help or customer service in case of problems. |
Player Warning
KVA emphasizes: ignore these ads. They lead to unlicensed platforms where safety and protection are not guaranteed.
If you are concerned about your gambling behavior, it is recommended to consult specialists or visit resources such as “Centrum voor Verantwoord Gokken B.V.”
Conclusion
Facebook and Instagram ads linked to Telegram channels have become a new method for promoting illegal operators.
Despite the removal of some posts, the problem persists, putting vulnerable players at risk. KVA continues to monitor violations and inform users.